Penn State Schuylkill celebrates student excellence at Student Affairs Awards Ceremony

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — On April 29, Penn State Schuylkill honored outstanding student achievement during its annual Student Affairs Awards Ceremony, recognizing those who exemplify excellence in academics, leadership, service, and athletics. The evening was a celebration of the remarkable dedication and contributions students have made both on campus and in the broader community.

Thirteen student-athletes were inducted into the prestigious Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Society, a national organization recognizing collegiate student-athletes who excel in both the classroom and in competition. The honor highlights individuals who demonstrate the core values of integrity, character, and commitment, while maintaining strong academic performance and athletic participation.

“Balancing academics and athletics takes a high level of focus, time management, and personal discipline,” said Bryan Valentine, director of student affairs and athletics. “These students have embraced that challenge and have established themselves as role models within our campus community.”

This year’s inductees are:

• Emily Brent, Softball
• Mackenzie Carl, Softball
• Aylah Campos, Women’s Flag Football
• Triniti Freeman, Women’s Flag Football
• Sierra Wishnefsky, Volleyball and Women’s Flag Football
• Evelyn Louca, Women’s Track and Field
• Serena Jones, Women’s Basketball
• Brianna Muffley, Women’s Basketball
• Ava Novak, Women’s Basketball
• Adam Carroll, Men’s Golf
• Branson Devitt, Men’s Golf
• Ethan Raho, Men’s Golf
• Zachary Fisher, Men’s Volleyball

In addition, seven students received Student Life Awards, sponsored by the Office of Student Affairs. These awards honor students who have made significant contributions to student life through leadership, community engagement, and service.

“These students lead by example,” said Valentine. “They have made a meaningful difference through their involvement, service, and leadership, both here on campus and beyond.”

This year’s award recipients are:

• Zachary Fisher – Outstanding Service and Leadership Award
  Recognizes a student who has demonstrated excellence in service and leadership to the campus community or local, national, or global communities.
• Malak Mowafi – Outstanding Academic Achievement and Leadership Award
  Honors a student who has demonstrated great achievement both academically (cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher) and as a leader within the campus community.
• James Bell – Unsung Lion Award
  Celebrates a student who, through their behind-the-scenes involvement on campus, have exemplified a commitment to enhancing campus life.
• Trinton Wheatley – Rising Lion Award
  Acknowledges an emerging student leader who has attended Penn State Schuylkill for less than two years and exemplifies dedicated involvement and commitment to enriching campus life.
• Kacey Harper – Spirited Lion Award
  Recognizes a student who has demonstrated great leadership in promoting campus spirit, pride, and loyalty at Penn State Schuylkill.
• Kyle Kaminski – Chancellor’s Award for Student Leadership
  Given to a student who has contributed to the advancement and improvement of student life through their leadership and campus involvement.
• Isabela Caruso – Eric A. and Josephine S. Walker Award
  The highest student recognition, this award is presented to a student whose outstanding qualities of character, scholarship, leadership, and citizenship have been directed into programs and services that have positively influenced their fellow students and have contributed to the prestige and well-being of the campus and, hence, to the reputation of the University as a whole.

The Student Affairs Awards Ceremony serves as a moment of recognition, reflection, and encouragement, applauding the accomplishments of Penn State Schuylkill’s most dedicated and driven students. The campus community looks forward to watching these emerging leaders continue to thrive and make meaningful contributions in their future endeavors.